Fees: We come to a crossroads
For the first time we can see a clear picture of the fees battlefield. The government's higher education bill has replaced the collection of speculative horror stories which stood before, though many of these stories have simply been confirmed. Meanwhile OUSU's flagship Alternative White Paper has arrived on the scene. There is no disputing that the proposals outlined by OUSU are brave. It only, however, confirms another horror story, feared by many in the anti-fees camp: the alternative to fees will prove just as unpopular. We hear constantly that Mr Blair will face a rebellion due to his firm stance on the introduction of fees. What kind of rebellion would he face, then, if he instead chose to support the increase in income tax to the extent suggested in the Alternative White Paper? The Times reported earlier this month that Oxford would be sending their college bursars to be trained in the art of money-hungry business at leading city institutions. The story has been denied by authorities and may well be no more than fiction. Yet the reports were disturbingly believable, and as is often the case, the fiction has its roots in a very real truth: if something is not done soon, universities will be forced to find other ways of improving their finances, ways that may turn education into a business. As we report today, Oxford may have to accept a greater proportion of graduates and overseas students who already pay higher fees. The thought of university admissions being based on cash is unacceptable. This country must choose the lesser of two evils and it must do it now.
The OxStu was delighted to learn that those responsible for the adorning of the Sheldonian's statues with traffic cones were, in fact, freshers. It's understandable how new students can feel when arriving at an institution so renowned for its sterotypes. It's only natural to want to break the mould once in a while. These particular antics were harmless - and brought a smile to all our faces.
15th Jan 2004